Historic Rendezvous -St. Charles, Missouri 
 

Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River is St. Charles, is a captivating destination steeped in early American frontier history. Founded in 1769 by French-Canadian explorer Louis Blanchette, it is recognized as the oldest town on the Missouri River.

As a key departure point for westward expansion, St. Charles buzzed with the energy of explorers, traders, and pioneers. The town became a critical hub of commerce, outfitted with taverns, blacksmiths, stables, and wheelwrights—all supporting the needs of those heading west. The arrival of steamboats and railroads further boosted its economy, adding warehouses, docks, and a depot to the bustling riverfront.

 

📍 Expedition Timeline: 1st Official Stop

🗓️May 16–21, 1804
Historic Rendezvous on the Lewis and Clark Trail

After departing Camp River Dubois in Illinois, William Clark and the Corps of Discovery reached St. Charles, Missouri—the first official stop on their westward journey. For nearly a week, the town served as a place of final preparations, military discipline, and community hospitality as the crew waited for Captain Meriwether Lewis to arrive from St. Louis.

🗓️May 16, 1804 – Arrival in St. Charles

“We arrived opposite St. Charles at 12 o’clock… This village is at the foot of a hill from which it takes its real name, Petites Côtes or ‘the little hills.’ It contains about 100 indifferent houses, and about 450 inhabitants, principally French.” – Clark

• St. Charles was the earliest white settlement west of the Mississippi. Originally called Les Petites Côtes, it was later renamed for St. Charles Borromeo.

• Clark dined with the commandant, Don Carlos Tayon, a French-Canadian veteran of the Revolutionary War, and Francois Duquette, a once-prosperous merchant who had suffered financial misfortune.

• Daniel Boone and his family were already settled in the countryside nearby.

🗓️May 17, 1804 – Court Martial at Camp

“Three men confined for misconduct, I had a court martial and punishment…” – Clark

• First Court-Martial of the Expedition: Soldiers Hall, Werner, and Collins were disciplined for early infractions.

• Clark also noted receiving “applications”—possibly from locals seeking to join the journey.

🗓️ May 18, 1804 – Repacking and Resupply

“Had the boat & pirogue reloaded to make them heavier in bow than astern…” – Clark

• Clark rebalanced the boats for better control.

• Received 136 lbs of tobacco on account of Mr. Chouteau, likely from Matthew Lyon, a Kentucky supplier under federal contract.

• Sent George Drouillard with Mr. Lorimier to St. Louis to deliver correspondence to Lewis.

• Noted arrival of keelboats from Kentucky loaded with whiskey and hats—supplies typical for frontier trade.

🗓️ May 19, 1804 – A Village Ball and Social Visits

“I am invited to a ball in the village… George Drewyer returns from St. Louis and brought $99…” – Clark

• The lost letter from Lewis was found by a local farmer.

• Clark hosted a group of seven ladies from the town.

• The men were granted time off to attend a community dance—highlighting the warm reception they received from the citizens of St. Charles.

🗓️ May 20, 1804 – Lewis Arrives in St. Charles

“Set forward to that village in order to join my friend, companion, and fellow labourer Capt. William Clark…” – Lewis

• Lewis arrived in a downpour, finally reuniting with Clark and the Corps.

• The men were permitted to attend a Sunday sermon by a Roman Catholic priest—one of the few documented religious services during the expedition.

🗓️ May 21, 1804 – Departure from St. Charles

“Set out at half past three o’clock under three cheers from the gentlemen on the bank…” – Clark

• Final preparations complete, the Corps of Discovery officially left civilization behind.

• The boats traveled 3 miles to the head of the island, launching into the wilderness under heavy wind and rain.

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Step Into History on South Main Street

At the heart of the city lies South Main Street, Missouri’s largest designated Historic District, featuring 88 restored buildings dating from 1790 to the late 1800s. The area reflects a mix of French Colonial, Federal, and German-influenced architecture, preserving the multicultural spirit of the early frontier.

As you explore this historic district, you can:

• 🏛️ Tour the First State Capitol of Missouri, where legislative history was made

• 🛍️ Browse boutiques, antique shops, and artisan galleries in 19th-century buildings

• 🍽️ Dine in historic cafés and restaurants, where old-world ambiance meets local flavor

• 👣 Walk the cobblestone streets, imagining life in a bustling river town in 1804
   

📍 Plan Your Visit

St. Charles is more than a charming riverside town—it was the final rendezvous point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition before setting off to explore the Louisiana Territory. In May 1804, Meriwether Lewis joined William Clark and the Corps of Discovery here before their epic journey westward.

Today, visitors can experience:

• 🛶 The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, featuring full-scale replicas of the keelboat and pirogues

• 🚴‍♀️ The Katy Trail, a scenic walking and biking path that follows the Missouri River

• 🎉 Heritage festivals and reenactments, celebrating the town’s frontier roots and pioneering spirit

Whether you're drawn by history, outdoor recreation, or small-town charm, St. Charles offers a rich blend of heritage and hospitality. As one of the significant sites along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, it invites visitors to explore where America’s greatest journey began.

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